Caitlin Clark has been under the microscope from the moment she entered the WNBA in 2024. In just over a year, she’s become one of the league’s biggest stars, even being called the face of the game. But while her impact off the court is unquestionable, many believe her skillset is still a work in progress.
Earlier in June, two-time WNBA champion Lauren Jackson admitted she would have loved to play alongside Clark. That tune shifted a bit when she appeared on A Touch More With Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe.
“I love Caitlin Clark. I’ve said that before. But…I do love her, but it was taken out of context. I’ve always said that Sue [Bird] is the one that…like you are the…,” Jackson began, before Bird and Rapinoe cut in with laughs.
Jackson then got to the point: “I love watching her. I’m not sure I would have loved playing with her, though. Like, I’m not sure, because I’d be like, ‘pass me the ball. I’m open. Give me the ball.’”
She spent much of the segment praising Bird, while also noting Caitlin Clark’s style as a contrast. Jackson pointed out that despite averaging just five assists herself, Clark currently sits at eight per game. Still, she added, the Fever guard often leans on her shot instead of finding the open teammate.
“Just us two in the weight room”: Caitlin Clark’s counterpart serving as a shoulder to lean on
While Caitlin Clark recovers from a right groin injury that has kept her out 14 straight games, she’s leaned on another Indiana star: Tyrese Haliburton.
Haliburton is rehabbing his own setback after tearing his right Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. The Pacers guard said the timing of their rehabs has been a silver lining.
“It sucks that she’s been hurt for as long as she has. But just for us to be able to communicate even in our recovery, we lift at the same time, so it’s just us two in the weight room,” Haliburton told reporters Saturday. “We spend a lot of time together. It’s good to have each other to lean on in a time like right now.”
With the Fever chasing a playoff spot, Haliburton knows how much it matters. “It’s very important,” he added. “To have someone to talk to during this time makes it easier.”
For more basketball content, click on Hardwood Heroics. Sabel Reyes can be reached through sabelreyes22@gmail.com. Other websites under the Sports Heroics umbrella are Gridiron Heroics and Wisconsin Heroics.
Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes.
